LP Claims Renewed Fortunes as Aspirants, Including Former First Lady, Flood Secretariat for Forms

Eshioromeh Sebastian

The Labour Party (LP) on Thursday claimed it is experiencing “renewed fortunes” as dozens of aspirants, including former Ondo State First Lady Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolua, thronged its National Secretariat to purchase nomination forms for the 2027 general elections.

National Publicity Secretary Ken Eluma Asogwa described the scramble in a statement made available to Spear News Nigeria as an “impressive surge,” noting that tens of aspirants were still at the secretariat as of press time seeking forms for various legislative seats.”We are witnessing a seamless exercise and a growing confidence in the party’s direction,” Asogwa said.

The dramatic show of interest marks a stark contrast to the crisis that has engulfed the Labour Party for much of the past two years.Just months ago, the LP was fighting for its survival. A bitter leadership crisis between rival factions loyal to suspended National Chairman Julius Abure and a caretaker committee backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) paralyzed the party’s structure.At its peak, the crisis led to court injunctions, police barricades at the Secretariat, and contradictory statements from self-styled party leaders. For weeks, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refused to recognize any leadership, effectively freezing the party’s operations.

The chaos opened the door for a wave of defections. Several sitting LP lawmakers in the House of Assembly and National Assembly deserted the party, citing “loss of direction” and “internal dictatorship” by the Abure-led national working committee.

Among the high-profile exits was a handful of lawmakers who had won their seats under the party’s 2023 “Obidient” wave, handing a major psychological blow to the party’s base.The LP now insists those dark days are over. The party recently reconciled with key NLC leaders, resolved its leadership tussle in court, and has since turned its attention to rebuilding for 2027.

“We are confident of the party’s growing strength in Adamawa State and across the North East,” said Hon. Hassan Mamman Barguwa, a former House of Representatives member who purchased the LP nomination form for Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency.

Yet, political analysts remain cautious. They note that many of the current aspirants are former lawmakers from other parties—primarily the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC)—seeking a new platform after losing their previous party’s tickets.”How many are true converts versus opportunists fleeing primary defeats elsewhere?” asked political analyst Dr. Chuka Ogbonna.

“The Labour Party must prove that this flood of nominees translates into a real structure, not just a temporary shelter for disillusioned politicians.

“For now, the LP is celebrating the optics: long queues, familiar names, and a Secretariat that is once again buzzing with ambition.But whether this represents a genuine “renewal” or a pre-election mirage will depend on whether the party can hold itself together long enough to turn these form-buyers into actual votes.